Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Tuesday Terry Ruskowskis

Teryy "Rosco" Ruskowski played for the Penguins as his career was winding down, but did wear the "C" while with the 'Guins. As a player, he was known for his leadership (he captained four different teams; still a North American record), but as a person, he's better known for that kick ass mustache he rocked in the '80s.

Rosco ended up scoring 426 points and racking up 1354 penalty minutes in over 630 NHL games. Here's a great interview with Rosco in early 1987, discussing missing Mario to an injury. There's also some really sweet fights that involve Ruskowski on YouTube, which include some match ups against some of the legends (McSorley, Howatt, Greschner, Tocchet). Rosco has been spending most of this decade as the head coach of the Laredo Bucks in the Central Hockey League.

I got one piece of Bucco news to talk about, and then we are going to get to some long overdue soccer news.

The Pirates did exactly what they should have done and sent Kevin Hart to the minors and officially announced Daniel McCutchen as their fifth starter. I've been saying this all spring, but if Hart can't show the ability to throw strikes (he has not), then there is no reason for him to be starting in the majors; send him to the minors to work on his command. McCutchen can throw strikes and has pitched well this spring. WHYGAVS has a good look at the battle before it was decided. If the Pirates really think Hart can become something special, then I'd rather him iron out the issues in the minors, and if he can prove that he's taken that step, then the fifth rotation spot is really not a concern. I'm kind of excited to see McCutchen pitch, if he can keep the ball in the ballpark (big if), he can be a very serviceable pitcher.

Everton won this past weekend against Bolton 2-0. Here are the extended highlights. The Toffees are still 6 points out of a Europa spot, but could make a move tomorrow when they face Manchester City (who are in fifth place); match preview here. It's gonna be tough, but one has to hope. I'm pretty sure it's not on TV since it's actually a make up fixture.

The US roster for the World Cup is slowly coming together. This is a cool piece on Jose F. Torres and the decision he had to make between representing the US or Mexico as a dual national. And here is another look at some of the MLS guys who could be putting on the US unis this June. Speaking of those unis, I'm with that guy; they were so close to getting it right, but missed yet again... but that's not to say I'm not gonna splurge on one a month from now.

In other positive US Soccer news, Charlie Davies is actually running again with his club team Sochaux. Amazing.

And here is Yanks-Abroad's latest look at who they think deserve the 23 plane tickets to South Africa. I have no real problems with this list, except I don't think there's any doubt Chuck D makes it back in time.